Belgian Defense Minister hands over Polish PIORUN air defense system
The PIORUN is a portable, shoulder-fired system designed to neutralize low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and larger drones. Training for military personnel begins immediately, with a more intensive phase planned for 2026. The systems were purchased from Poland and delivered quickly following consultations with Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Francken noted that Belgian special forces and paratroopers had been requesting such a capability for 16 years.
In addition to PIORUN, the Belgian Defense Ministry is accelerating investments in counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology, releasing around €50 million ($58 million) ahead of schedule. Starting in January, each military base will be equipped with an “immediate response kit” combining drone detection and electronic jamming.
The lightweight and mobile system is carried by an operator with antennas on the back, displaying detected drone activity on a digital map. While electronic jammers can disrupt drones, neutralization requires shotguns with specialized counter-drone ammunition, which will also be deployed across all bases.
Other equipment includes radar systems such as the Saab Giraffe 1X, electronic warfare tools to disable drones, and dedicated weapons to shoot them down.
The upgrades follow several drone sightings over Belgian military sites and airports in October and November, which highlighted weaknesses in the country’s air defense and anti-drone capabilities.
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